WHAT IS THE "BOWMAN HITTING CHALLENGE"? The 2nd annual zany home-run derby is back! The Bowman Hitting Challenge features one slugger from each of the 30 MLB organizations participating in the Arizona Fall League. Each batter swings away at live pitching and earns points for home runs or by hitting a variety of stationary and moving targets scattered throughout the field. When targets are hit by batted balls, fans in the stands win prizes!

This year's sponsors include Bowman Baseball Cards, Rawlings, University of Phoenix, UnitedHealthcare, Avis/Budget car and truck rentals, Sport Chalet, BT Bouncies, Zinger Bats, and Big O Tires. Once inside the gates of Salt River Fields, head over to the Lucky Number registration table located next to the merchandise stand to enter for your chance to win fantastic prizes!

Each hitter will have two minutes in a batting-practice setting to hit balls at targets for different point values. Each batter will be required to bunt the first four pitches at strategically placed infield targets for points, followed by swinging away during the balance of the two minutes. After the two-minute period, the hitter will take one last swing at a "Bowman Bonus Ball" placed on a hitting tee at home plate, good for double point values should any target be hit.

Any time a player hits a foul ball, points will be deducted from his total score. The player with the highest point total from an American League organization and from a National League organization will each win a cash prize!

Three high school students have also been given the chance to match their skills against the professional hitters of the Fall League. Midway through the competition these young batters will take their cuts to earn points and win prizes for fans! Come show your support for these local talents and cheer them on!

TICKETS: Ticket are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for youth (17 & under) and senior citizen (55 or over). Tickets will be available at the Salt River Fields ticket office beginning at 5 p.m. the day of the event.